Doom: The Dark Ages has launched worldwide but is facing a disappointing start on Steam, recording the lowest player count of any recent Doom game at launch. While critics have generally praised the gameplay, the total player reviews remain under 10,000. This low engagement is highlighted by a peak of just 31,470 concurrent players on Steam, a stark contrast to the 104,891 players of Doom Eternal at launch. The article explores the possibility that player numbers might be distributed across various platforms, including Xbox and PlayStation, and doesn't account for engagement through Game Pass.

Why did Doom: The Dark Ages have a low player count at launch?

Doom: The Dark Ages experienced a low player count at launch due to several factors, including potential distribution across gaming platforms and possibly less hype compared to earlier installments. While the gameplay has received positive reviews, the game's launch lacked the engagement seen with previous titles in the franchise, indicating varied player interests and distribution.

Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest installment in the iconic Doom franchise developed by id Software. The series has a long history, with its origins as a pioneering first-person shooter setting benchmarks in gameplay and graphical standards since its first release in 1993. The franchise has undergone significant evolution, garnering a dedicated fanbase while continually evolving with modern gaming technology.